Detran catches scheme to bypass enforcement of the Dry Law in Salinas, on the state coast

The famous Atalaia beach, a resort in Salinópolis, about 200 km from Belém, is one of the most sought-after destinations by the people of Pará during the summer. Known for allowing vehicle access to the sandy areas, the coastal city attracts hundreds of visitors on weekends. But along with leisure, risks also arise — mainly those related to alcohol consumption while driving.

The concerning history of drunk drivers returning from the beach has led the Department of Traffic of the State of Pará (Detran-PA) to intensify inspections by conducting the Dry Law Operation on Highway PA-444, using the breathalyzer at strategic points. This measure contributed to a significant decrease in incidents that often resulted in fatalities. However, a new illegal practice has emerged: the use of "pass-through drivers," dubbed coyotes.

The scheme works as follows: drivers caught on the roadside offered temporary services to drive third-party vehicles, just to cross the inspection barrier. Shortly after crossing the Detran checkpoint, these drivers would return the wheel to the actual driver — often intoxicated and clearly unable to drive safely.

But this weekend, on August 2 and 3, the attempt to circumvent the law did not work. A Detran team discreetly monitored the flow of vehicles using drones and cameras and caught the driver exchange. The drivers who thought they had fooled the inspection were intercepted further ahead and subjected to the breathalyzer test. Result: several were fined for driving under the influence of alcohol, and some cases were referred to the police station for constituting a traffic crime.

"Citizens need to understand that the Dry Law saves lives. Trying to deceive the inspection is an irresponsible and criminal act. Our team is trained, equipped, and vigilant. Technology and intelligence are at the service of life," says the general director of Detran-PA, Renata Coelho.

In addition to the heavy fine, which can reach R$ 2,934.70, the driver caught under the influence of alcohol has their driver's license suspended for up to 12 months and may face criminal charges, with a penalty of detention from six months to three years.

"Detran reinforces that it will continue operations throughout Pará, especially on the main traffic corridors towards the Pará beaches. The recommendation is simple: if you drink, do not drive. Life — yours and others' — is worth more," emphasized the Detran's inspection coordinator, Ivan Feitosa.

The inspection team caught the moment when the female driver got out of the vehicle and a man, wearing a wine-colored shirt, took over the driving of the vehicle before the barrier. The female driver moved to the passenger seat.

After passing the inspection barrier, the female driver took over the vehicle again, after the "crossing driver" left the location.

"This other driver, wearing jeans and a shirt with black details, was also engaged in the same activity. Both left the location before being identified by the teams. After leaving the vehicle, he went to another vehicle that seemed to be receiving payment for the service," explained Ivan.

The female driver was approached and after taking the breathalyzer test, it resulted in 0.68mg/l. She was taken to the police authority, where she was arrested for the crime of alcohol consumption. The vehicle was released to a properly licensed driver after taking the breathalyzer test and being found not under the influence of alcohol.

The service to identify drivers operating in this mode, crossing the barrier, was carried out throughout the summer operation. More than 30 drivers were fined according to the current legislation after being caught exchanging vehicle driving.